Improve machining accuracy with precision parallel pads
Parallel pads, also known as parallel supports or setup parallels, ensure workpieces sit perfectly plan-parallel and at a defined height in vises and on milling or drilling tables, enabling free machining of surfaces and through-holes without damaging hardened jaws or machine beds. Made from stress-relieved, case-hardened special steel and ground or lapped to extremely tight tolerances, these pads guarantee repeatable positioning and absolute right angles, significantly reducing setup times in single-piece and series production. By supplying a wide range of matched pairs in graduated sizes, the system offers maximum flexibility for varied workpiece geometries and clamping depths, improving throughput and part quality through consistent parallelism, height accuracy and surface protection.
Precision alignment that speeds up setup and protects fixtures
Parallels (also known as parallel blocks or parallel support plates) are precision ground tooling elements used with machine vises on milling and drilling machines. They lift and position a workpiece plan-parallel to the machine table, ensuring the cutting tool can access surfaces and through-holes without contacting hardened jaws or the vise bed.
How parallels deliver reliable accuracy and repeatability
These parallels are manufactured from stress-relieved, annealed and case-hardened special steel, then finished in matched pairs by precision grinding or lapping. By holding height, width and parallelism to tolerances in the thousandths of a millimetre, they prevent part tilt and guarantee exact right angles and plan-parallel faces. In practice, parallels are supplied individually or as finely graded assortments to accommodate differing workpiece geometries and clamping depths, which reduces changeover times in both single-part and series production.
Key performance advantages for the workshop
- Increased machining precision through fully supported, kipp-free clamping
- Reduced setup and changeover time via matched pairs and graded assortments
- Protection of hardened jaws and vise beds by lifting the workpiece clear of fixtures
- Consistent repeatability thanks to paired and matched finishing
- Suitability for a wide range of machining tasks when combined with standard machine vises
Technical data (at a glance)
- Material: stress-relieved, annealed and case-hardened special steel
- Finish: precision ground or lapped, delivered paired and matched
- Accuracy: tolerances in the thousandths of a millimetre for height, width and parallelism
- Application: use with machine vises on milling and drilling machines for plan-parallel alignment
- Supply forms: single parallels or assortments in finely graded sizes
Metav as a dependable partner for precision tooling
Metav stands for democratisation of precision, offering decades of expertise and a broad range suitable for industry, craft and trade. From Emmerich, Metav operates as a quality filter for the European market, supplying over 250,000 products and trusted by more than 48,000 customers. For buyers seeking reliable, ready-to-use parallels and comprehensive assortments, Metav presents a pragmatic single-source solution with steady stock and straightforward order handling.
FAQ
What material are the parallels made from and why?
The parallels are produced from stress-relieved, annealed and case-hardened special steel to combine stability with surface hardness; this construction ensures dimensional stability and long service life when used as parallels in machining.
How precise are matched pairs and why is that important?
Matched pairs are finished by precision grinding or lapping to tolerances in the thousandths of a millimetre, ensuring that two blocks used together maintain exact plan-parallel alignment and prevent part tipping during clamping.
When should I choose an assortment rather than single parallels?
Choose an assortment when workpieces vary in geometry or clamping depth; assortments provide finely graded sizes that reduce setup time and increase flexibility for diverse machining tasks with parallels.
Can parallels damage hardened vise jaws?
No — when used correctly, parallels lift the workpiece clear of the hardened jaws and vise bed, protecting those surfaces from contact and wear while allowing unrestricted machining access.
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